Winter solstice: Feeling under the weather? Blame the weather

Winter Solstice is here

If you’ve been feeling a little down in the dumps lately, you may take some comfort knowing you’re not alone. Blame it on celestial timing.

It is common for moods to plummet along with the temperature during winter with people suffering “an emotional and physical let down”, according to psychic and spiritual adviser Rose Smith.

“You may have noticed waking up in the morning feeling a little down and flat lately because of the colder conditions and the decreased light,” Gold Coast-based Ms Smith said.

“About 30 per cent of Australians report their mood drops during the colder months of the year. The mood shift can include feeling lethargic, finding it harder to wake up in the morning and craving comfort food.

“These feelings also have a strong connection to the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year on Wednesday.”

Ms Smith, the chief executive of Absolute Soul Secrets, which has a network of about 70 psychic readers around the world, said less daylight hours in winter meant that from a spiritual perspective people were more reflective — “into the darkness and our own subconscious”.

For about six weeks leading up to the solstice, people were more inclined to seek relaxation, hibernation and comfort food “the way nature intended”, but became easily distracted instead.

“It is completely normal for you to get into a funk, have no energy and feel flat [through this period],” Ms Smith said.

“Don’t push yourself during this time. Have a bit of down time, focus on yourself, pamper yourself.”

Ms Smith said the light at the end of the tunnel was today’s winter solstice: the one day of the year that has the least daylight hours.

People feeling down because of the weather could expect to perk up within days, she said.

For those who have suffered the added pressure of a breakup lately, Ms Smith said they should go easy on themselves instead of being critical or taking the blame.

“Although it hurts like hell and you will cry a river of tears, know that you will get over this,” she said.

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Rose Smith’s tips to help get through the colder months:

• Go outside: “Half of all Australians are vitamin D deficient because they don’t get enough sunlight. Spend 20 minutes outside every day and you’ll notice a difference in mood.”

• Exercise: “It’s important to stay active during the colder months so you don’t let the feelings of being flat take over and remain with you for the whole of winter.”

• Stay hydrated: “Most people don’t tend to drink as much water in winter because it’s so cold. Heat it up to a lukewarm temperature ensuring you drink enough.”

Rose Smith.

• Rest: “Winter is a period of hibernation so getting enough sleep is very important to maintain our energy levels through the colder months.”

• Hobbies: “Pick up interests like art or music that are more home bound and less stressful.”

• Spend time on yourself: “Pamper yourself, spend time in meditation and look after yourself more. Pay special attention to your diet.”

• Balanced life: “Have plenty of time alone to think and reflect without distraction.”

LIFELINE: If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or needs help, contact Lifeline on 131 114.